Weaknesses: Paint is not very durable. Spring rate in stock fork is very light. 73.5* seat angle combined with non-offset seat clamp makes for a weight forward ride.

Bottom Line:

I've been riding this bike for just over a month and am very pleased with the purchase. I only post the review this early in case someone else is looking at a 2001 closeout like mine was.

I am surprised that Jamis would use the Mars fork with the lightest weight spring even on the larger frame sizes. I would guess that very few riders who fit into the 17" frame (not to mention the larger sizes) weigh less than 140 lbs. I traded up on site for a Marzocchi.

However, I really think this is a quality product and it was by far the best deal of any bike shop with 50 miles. Nice combination of singletrack handling with decent downhill stabilty. At least according to my short time with the bike.

Its a great bike, i got mine on sale but I would have paid full price (around 1,000) for it. It climes great, decends pretty good, has a great fork (3 pounds and 80mm of travel Manitiou Mars air fork) and a pretty solid frame.

Strengths: Overall great component mix. I love the Mars fork and even the Rockshox suspension seatpost. This bike climbs great and is very stable.

Weaknesses: None really. I could have gotten the Daxota XC for $1100.00 off the same guy, but I'm glad I saved a few bucks and got the aluminum.

Bottom Line:

Great bank for the buck. And I got a super deal $900.00 way better than any of my local dealers. I debated the steel Dakota, but with the seatpost this bike rides great. Plus I don't have that whole rust thing to worry about. Five chilis for value (at $900) and 5 for overall. Jamis has really stepped up to bat on this one.